Dr. W. Mark Tew, Howard Payne University’s provost and chief academic officer, has been named the 23rd president of Judson College in Marion, Alabama. He will assume the post  March 25.

Tew, who joined HPU’s administration as vice president for academic affairs in September 2007, is a native of Alabama and previously served at Judson College in a variety of administrative and academic capacities including senior vice president, vice president for institutional advancement, chief financial officer and professor of religious studies.

During his years at HPU, Tew provided key leadership in a variety of initiatives, such as the creation and development of a range of degree programs and the university’s Strategic Plan.

“I consider it a great honor to have served Howard Payne University during these years,” said Dr. Tew. “My pride in what we as an academic community have accomplished is matched only by my confidence of the great things yet to come.”

A graduate of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary with Doctor of Theology and Master of Divinity degrees, he also holds the Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science degrees from Samford University.

“Dr. Tew is a distinguished academic administrator who has served Howard Payne University with professionalism and grace,” said Dr. Paul W. Armes, interim president. “His unwavering commitment to HPU’s mission as a distinctively Christ-centered academic community has been a blessing to our institution.”

Dr. Celeste Church, assistant vice president for retention, research and accreditation, will serve as acting provost effective March 18. Dr. Church joined HPU’s music faculty in 2004 and progressed through the ranks from instructor to full professor. She has also served as chair of the Faculty Assembly, co-chair of the General Education Review Committee and dean of institutional research and effectiveness.